Release Strategies for Making Transferable Semiconductor Structures, Devices and Device Components

ABSTRACT

Provided are methods for making a device or device component by providing a multilayer structure having a plurality of functional layers and a plurality of release layers and releasing the functional layers from the multilayer structure by separating one or more of the release layers to generate a plurality of transferable structures. The transferable structures are printed onto a device substrate or device component supported by a device substrate. The methods and systems provide means for making high-quality and low-cost photovoltaic devices, transferable semiconductor structures, (opto-)electronic devices and device components.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 13/071,027, filed Mar. 24, 2011, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application No. 11/858,788, filed Sep. 20, 2007 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,932,123), which claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Application Nos. 60/826,354, filed Sep. 20, 2006 and 60/944,653 filed Jun. 18, 2007, all of which are incorporated by reference to the extent they are not inconsistent with the present disclosure.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

This invention was made with government support under Grant DEFG02-91-ER45439 awarded by Department of Energy. The government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A variety of platforms are available for printing structures on device substrates and device components supported by device substrates, including nanostructures, microstructures, flexible electronics, and a variety of other patterned structures. For example, a number of patents and patent applications describe different methods and systems for making and printing a wide range of structures, including U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/115,954, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,195,733 (18-04 filed Apr. 27, 2005); 11/145,574, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,622,367 (38-04A filed Jun. 2, 2005); 11/145,542, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,557,367 (38-04B filed Jun. 2, 2005); 11/423,287, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,521,292 (38-04C filed Jun. 9, 2006); 11/423,192, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,943,491 (41-06 filed Jun. 9, 2006); 11/421,654, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,799,699 (43-06 filed Jun. 1, 2006); 60/826,354 (151-06P filed Sep. 20, 2006), each hereby incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent herewith. A need currently exists for methods and structures for generating transferable semiconductor elements. There is a particular need for low cost methods and structures compatible with high-throughput processing to make device and device components.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Methods and related systems are provided to facilitate low-cost generation of structures capable of printing on device substrates or device components on device substrates. This is accomplished by providing stacks of multilayer structures configured to provide access to individual layers. Of particular use are individual layers that are functional layers, where the functional layers are subsequently incorporated into device and device components. Individual layers are accessed by release strategies that provide sequential layer-by-layer access or access to two or more layers simultaneously. Those functional layers are capable of being printed onto, or incorporated into, devices or device components, by a wide range of printing methods and systems. These multilayer stack systems provide a capability to generate multiple printable or transferable functional structures contained in multiple layers in a single process, thereby decreasing the cost per printable or transferable structure or layer and decreasing the final cost of the end device or device component.

In an aspect, the invention provides methods for making low-cost and/or high performance photovoltaics by multilayer structures having a plurality of functional layers that can be incorporated into a solar cell of the photovoltaic. This multilayer approach is advantageous for a number of reasons. For example, multiple solar cells may be grown in a single deposition run, thereby avoiding loading and unloading of growth chambers, growth substrate surface preparation, and the deposition of buffer layers currently required by single layer fabrication approaches. This results in a significant decrease in manufacturing cost per solar cell layer, thereby decreasing the cost to the solar cell device component. In addition, the capability of lifting-off fully functional layers from a mother substrate provides the ability to reuse the mother substrate by constructing additional multilayer structures on the same mother substrate. Furthermore, the multilayer configuration is easily heat sunk and can provide transferable structures that may be readily printed to plastics and other substrates having a wide range of form factors.

In an embodiment, a method is provided for making a device or device component by providing a multilayer structure having a plurality of functional layers and a plurality of release layers. In this configuration, at least a portion of the release layers are positioned between the functional layers to provide access to the functional layers. At least a portion of the functional layers are released from the multilayer structure by separating one or more of the release layers or a portion thereof from one or more of the functional layers. This functional layer release generates a structure capable of being printed onto a substrate. A device or device component is made by printing one or more of these transferable structures onto a device substrate or device component supported by a device substrate by any printing means known in the art (e.g., contact printing, liquid printing, dry transfer contact printing, soft lithographic microtransfer printing and soft lithographic nanotransfer printing, solution printing, fluidic self assembly, ink jet printing, thermal transfer printing, and screen printing), such as by contact printing.

Release is used broadly and refers to any means for separating at least a portion of a layer from other layers in the multilayer structure. For example, the step of releasing at least a portion of a functional layer from a multilayer substructure may be by physically separating at least one pair of adjacent layers. The adjacent layers may be a release layer that is adjacent to a functional layer in the multilayer structure. The release layer is constructed to facilitate release of at least a portion of a functional layer in response to a release stimulus. For example, the release stimulus may comprise a chemical or physical stimulus that removes at least a portion of the release layer, thereby facilitating release of an adjacent functional layer. Any stimulus, however, capable of affecting a targeted release layer may be used. Other examples of releasing steps include, but are not limited to, etching one or more release layers, thermally shocking one or more release layers, ablating one or more release layers by exposure of the release layers to electromagnetic radiation from a laser source, and decomposing one or more release layers by contacting the release layers with a chemical agent. In an aspect, functional layers are connected to adjacent layers by anchoring means located at the ends of the layer, and so release is achieved by undercutting at those ends to lift-off the functional layer. Alternatively, anchors are provided as patterns in a sacrificial layer or release layer, thereby providing anchors fixed to an adjacent layer or a substrate. These anchors provide further flexibility in the design of breakable tether points to facilitate controlled lift-off of functional layer portions. Optionally, in any of the methods disclosed herein, layers that remain attached to the lifted-off functional layer are removed. In an aspect, lift-off is accomplished by contacting the multilayer structure with a stamp, such as an elastomeric stamp. Optionally, a stamp is used to facilitate contact printing of the lift-off structure to a surface.

To facilitate transmission of a signal to a release layer, any one or more of the functional layers through which the signal passes, are capable of at least partially transmitting the signal. For example, for a signal that is electromagnetic radiation, the functional layers are at least partially transparent to electromagnetic radiation that is capable of ablating at least a portion of the release layers. Alternatively, if the electromagnetic radiation is transmitted from an opposite side, such as the other side of the substrate that supports the multilayer structure, the substrate is at least partially transparent to the electromagnetic radiation.

Another means for releasing is an interfacial crack located in a release layer. Such a crack facilitates lift off of one or more functional layers by applying a stress to the system, such as to the release layer. The crack may be introduced by any means known in the art including, but not limited to a mechanical, chemical or thermal-generated force.

In an aspect, any of the methods disclosed herein may further include masking at least a portion of the multilayer structure. For example, a mask layer that is in physical contact with one or more functional layers. Such masks are capable of at least partially preventing exposure of one or more functional layers to an etchant, solvent or chemical agent provided as a release signal to release at least a portion of the functional layers from the multilayer structure. Such a mask may be useful in applications where the functional layer is a high-quality layer that is expensive and prone to damage by the release signal, such as an etchant.

In another aspect, a carrier film is provided in contact with one or more of the functional layers to further facilitate the step of releasing at least a portion of said functional layers from the multilayer substructure.

The methods and systems provided herein are useful for generating a wide range of transferable structures having a wide range of geometry. Accordingly, the method is capable of incorporation into a number of device manufacturing processes for a wide range of device and device component manufacture. In an aspect, the transferable structure has a layer-type geometry. In another aspect, recessed features are provided by any method known in the art so that at least one of the functional layers generates transferable structures having one or more preselected microsized or nanosized physical dimensions. For example, generation of recessed features in at least one of the functional layers is optionally carried out using a patterning technique, such as a patterning technique that is photolithography, soft lithography, electron beam direct writing, or photoablation patterning.

A functional layer of the present invention is used broadly, and refers to material that is of use within a device or device component. A functional layer with wide application for a variety of devices and device components is a multilayer having a semiconductor or a sequence (e.g. plurality) of semiconductor layers. Functional layer composition and geometry is selected depending on the end use or function of that functional layer. For example, the sequence of semiconductor layers can be at least one semiconductor layer selected from the group consisting of: a single crystalline semiconductor layer, an organic semiconductor layer, an inorganic semiconductor layer, a III-V semiconductor layer; and a group IV elemental or compound semiconductor. In another aspect, the sequence of semiconductor layers is at least two semiconductor layers having different semiconductor materials. In an aspect, at least one of the functional layers is made from one or more dielectric layers or one or more conductor layers. In an embodiment, a functional layer in the multilayer may be different than other functional layers. In an embodiment, all the functional layers in the multilayer are the same. In an embodiment, a functional layer in the multilayer is a complex recipe of individual layers, such as a plurality of semiconductor layers. In the drawings included as a part of this application, the structures derived from these functional layers are referred to as “functional materials elements or devices” (FMEDs).

Other functional layers useful in certain methods described herein include, but are not limited to, functional layers that are an electronic, optical or electro-optic device or a component of an electronic, optical, electro-optic device, a component thereof that is a part of a P-N junction, a thin film transistor, a single junction solar cell, a multi-junction solar cell, a photodiode, a light emitting diode, a laser, a CMOS device, a MOSFET device, a MESFET device, or a HEMT device.

In an embodiment, any of the multilayer structures are generated on a substrate. In an aspect, at least one release layer is provided between the multilayer structure and the substrate, such as a release layer positioned between a functional layer and a substrate. In another aspect, a release layer is not provided between the multilayer structure and the substrate. In that case, the mother substrate and/or the adjacent functional layer provide the ability to release the functional layer from the substrate. In an aspect the mother substrate is itself a release layer.

The multilayer structure and specifically the individual layers of the multilayer structure, may be deposited or grown on the substrate surface as known in the art. For example, any one or more means for growing or depositing layers on a surface may be selected from various techniques including but not limited to: epitaxial growth, evaporation deposition, vapor-phase epitaxy, molecular-beam epitaxy, metalorganic chemical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, sputtering deposition, sol-gel coating, electron beam evaporation deposition, plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition; atomic layer deposition, liquid phase epitaxy, electrochemical deposition, and spin coating. In such a manner, multiple transferable structures are generated from a system and, upon release of the final functional layer (e.g., the layer closest to the substrate surface), the substrate is optionally reused again. Such reuse results in cost savings compared to manufacturing processes where the substrate itself is either damaged, destroyed, or incorporated into the final device or device component.

The multilayer structure optionally includes a functional layer and/or release layer having a preselected sequence of thin films epitaxially grown on a substrate, such as alternating release layers and functional layers. In an embodiment, the functional layers have thicknesses selected from the range of about 5 nm to about 50,000 nanometers. In an embodiment the multilayer structure has about 2 to about 200 functional layers and/or about 2 to about 200 release layers. The release layer, depending on the system configuration, may be as thin as 1 nm. In other embodiments the release layer may be thicker, for example between about 1 μm and 2 μm The actual selection of the composition of the release layer material is made based on a number of parameters, such as whether it is desired to grow high-quality functional layers (e.g., epitaxial growth). Release layer composition constraint may be relaxed if growth is not epitaxial. In addition, the release layer composition should be compatible with the release strategy for releasing functional layers from the multilayer structure. For example, if the release mechanism is by cracking, Young's modulus may be selected to facilitate optimal cracking.

Many different devices are capable of being made using any of the methods disclosed herein. In an aspect, the invention provides a method of making a photovoltaic device or device array, a transistor device or device array, a light emitting diode device or device array, a laser or array of lasers, a sensor or sensor array, an integrated electronic circuit, a microelectromechanical device or a nanoelectromechanical device.

In an embodiment, any of the methods of the present invention are for making transferable semiconductor structures. For example, transferable semiconductor structures are made from at least a portion of a functional layer having one or more semiconductor thin films, and releasing at least a portion of the functional layers from the multilayer structure by separating one or more of the release layers or a portion thereof from one or more of the functional layers. Similarly, methods are provided for making a photovoltaic device or device array by providing at least a portion of a functional layer that is itself a photovoltaic cell, such as a photovoltaic cell having a preselected sequence of semiconductor thin films.

In another embodiment, the invention is a method for making a device or device component, where a sacrificial layer is provided on at least a portion of a substrate surface. Sacrificial layer is used broadly to refer to a material that facilitates removal of a functional layer from a substrate. The sacrificial layer has a receiving surface for receiving a functional layer material. The sacrificial layer is selectively patterned by any means known in the art to reveal the underlying substrate or film or coating on the substrate in a corresponding pattern. The pattern of exposed substrate corresponds to potential anchor regions of a functional layer when the functional layer is subsequently deposited. In particular, the deposited functional layer has two regions: an “anchor region” that corresponds to the patterned regions in the sacrificial layer and an “unanchored region” where there is a sacrificial layer that separates the functional layer from the underlying substrate. The anchors can function as bridge elements to facilitate controlled lift-off of functional layer in a pattern that corresponds to the unanchored region. A portion of the functional layer is released, wherein the pattern of functional layer anchors remain at least partially anchored to the substrate and at least a portion of the functional layer not anchored to the substrate is released, thereby generating a plurality of transferable structures. The transferable structures are optionally printed onto a device substrate or device component supported by a device substrate, thereby making the device or the device component. Any printing means known in the art may be used, such as contact printing or solution printing, as described herein.

In an embodiment, the releasing step comprises contacting an elastomeric stamp to at least a portion of the functional layer and removing the stamp from contact with the functional layer, thereby removing at least a portion of the functional layer that is not anchored to the substrate.

In another embodiment, the releasing step uses a technique selected from the group consisting of: etching the sacrificial layer, thermally shocking the sacrificial layer, ablating or decomposing by exposure of the sacrificial layer to radiation from a laser source; and decomposing the sacrificial layer by contacting the sacrificial layer with a chemical agent. The functional layer is then optionally removed or retrieved by any means known in the art, such as by a stamp that selectively breaks functional structures from anchors, thereby providing printed functional structures that may correspond to the pattern that was originally applied to the sacrificial layer.

In an embodiment, any of the patterning processes disclosed herein to provide anchors that are incorporated into the multilayer processes of the present invention. For example, the patterning may be applied to one or more release layers of the present invention that separates functional layers to provide additional means for controllably releasing a plurality of functional materials and/or functional layers.

In another embodiment, the invention is a method for fabricating a plurality of transferable semiconductor elements provided in a multilayer array. Such processes provide for manufacture of a large number of elements from a single layer and/or from multiple layers with each layer capable of generating a plurality of elements, as well as providing capability for additional element processing, including processing of elements that are attached to an underlying surface. For example, the method can comprise the steps of providing a wafer having an external surface, such as a wafer comprising an inorganic semiconductor. Selected regions of the external surface are masked by providing a first mask to the external surface, thereby generating masked regions and unmasked regions of the external surface. A plurality of relief features extending from the external surface into the wafer are generated by etching the unmasked regions of the external surface of the wafer. In this manner, at least a portion of the relief features each have at least one contoured side surface having a contour profile that varies spatially along the length of the at least one side. Another masking step, wherein a second mask masks the contoured side surfaces, wherein the contoured side surface is only partially masked by the second mask. This generates masked and unmasked regions provided along the length of the side surfaces. The unmasked regions are etched to generate a plurality of transferable semiconductor elements provided in the multilayer array.

Any of these methods optionally use a wafer that is a bulk semiconductor wafer, for example a silicon wafer having a (111) orientation.

In an aspect, the step of etching the unmasked regions of the external surface of the wafer is carried out by cyclic exposure of the side surfaces of the recessed features to etchants and etch resist materials, such as by cyclic exposure of the side surfaces of the recessed features to reactive ion etchants and etch resist materials. In another aspect, the etching step is carried out using Inductively Coupled Plasma Reactive Ion Etching, Buffered Oxide Etchant or a combination of both Inductively Coupled Plasma Reactive Ion Etching and Buffered Oxide Etchant etching techniques.

In an embodiment, the contour profiles of the contoured side surfaces have a plurality of features extending lengths that intersect a longitudinal axis of the lengths of said side surfaces. For example, the contour profiles may be ridges, ripples and/or scalloped shaped recessed features provided on said side surfaces. Any of the ridges, ripples or scalloped shaped recessed features function as shadow masks during the step of masking the contoured side surfaces by providing the second mask, thereby generating the unmasked regions of the side surfaces.

In an aspect of the invention, the step of masking the contoured side surfaces by providing a second mask is carried out via angled vapor deposition of a mask material.

In an aspect, the step of etching the unmasked regions of side surfaces is carried out via anisotropic etching, such as with a wafer that is a silicon wafer having an (111) orientation, and etching the unmasked regions of the side surfaces is carried out via anisotropic etching preferentially along

110

directions of the silicon wafer. The anisotropic etching is optionally provided by exposing the unmasked regions of said side surface to a strong base.

In an embodiment, the etching of the unmasked regions of the side surfaces generates the transferable semiconductor elements, wherein each of the elements are connected to the wafer via a bridge element.

Any of the systems described optional have a mask that is an etch resistant mask, such as first and second masks that are etch resistant masks.

In another aspect the invention is a method of assembling a plurality transferable semiconductor elements on a substrate by providing a plurality of transferable semiconductor elements by any of the processes disclosed herein and then printing the transferable semiconductor elements on the substrate. For example provided are methods of making an electronic device or component of an electronic device, the method comprising the steps of providing the plurality of transferable semiconductor elements provided in a multilayer array by a process of the present invention. The transferable semiconductor elements are printed on a substrate, thereby making the electronic device or component of the electronic device. Any of the methods disclosed herein use a printing step that is carried out by contact printing. Any of the methods disclosed herein have a printing step that is carried out by sequentially printing transferable semiconductor in different layers of the multilayer.

In an embodiment, the printing semiconductor elements in a first layer of the array expose one or more transferable semiconductor elements in a layer of the array positioned underneath the first layer.

Another embodiment of the present invention is methods of making transferable semiconductor elements by homogeneous and/or heterogeneous anchoring strategies. Such anchoring provides a number of advantages compared to non-anchored systems and processes, such as more efficient use of the wafer that supports the transferable elements, enhanced transfer control and enhanced registered transfer. In particular, the anchors or bridge elements provide localized control over the geometry of elements that are released or transferred.

“Homogeneous anchoring” (e.g., FIGS. 20, 35, 37A and 37B) refers to an anchor that is an integral part of the functional layer. In general, methods of making transferable elements by homogenous anchoring systems is optionally by providing a wafer, depositing a sacrificial layer on at least a portion of a wafer surface, defining semiconductor elements by any means known in the art, and defining anchor regions. The anchor regions correspond to specific regions of the semiconductor element. The anchor regions can correspond to a geometrical configuration of a semiconductor layer, e.g., anchors defined by relatively large surface areas and are connected to transferable elements by bridge or tether elements (e.g., see FIGS. 19, 20, 37A and 37B). Such geometry provides a means for facilitating lift-off of specific non-anchored regions for either single-layer or multi-layer embodiments. Alternatively, anchors correspond to semiconductor regions that are attached or connected to the underlying wafer (e.g., FIG. 35). Removing the sacrificial layer provides a means for removing or transferring semiconductor elements while the portion of semiconductor physically connected to the underlying wafer remains.

“Heterogeneous anchoring” (e.g., FIGS. 21, 22) refers to an anchor that is not an integral part of the functional layer, such as anchors that are made of a different material than the semiconductor layer or is made of the same material, but that is defined after the transferable semiconductor elements are placed in the system. One advantage of heterogeneous anchoring compared to homogeneous anchoring relates to better transfer defining strategies and further improvement to the effective useable wafer footprint. In the heterogeneous strategy embodiment, a wafer is provided, the wafer is coated with a sacrificial layer, semiconductor elements are defined, and heterogeneous anchor elements are deposited that anchor semiconductor regions. In an aspect, the anchor is a resist material, such as a photoresist or SiN (silicon nitride), or other material that has a degree of rigidity capable of anchoring and resisting a lift-off force that is not similarly resisted by non-anchored regions. The anchor may span from the top-most semiconductor layer through underlying layers to the underlying wafer substrate. Removal of sacrificial layer provides a means for removing unanchored regions while the anchored regions remain connected to the wafer, such as by contact transfer, for example. In another embodiment, for a multi-layer system, the anchor provides anchoring of a top layer to an underlying semiconductor layer. Alternatively, the anchoring system is for single-layer semiconductor layer systems.

Any of the anchoring systems are optionally made by patterning one or more of a sacrificial layer, functional layer, and release layer, by any means known in the art to generate exposed wafer substrate and/or exposed underlying semiconductor layer. These anchoring systems are useful for making a plurality of transferable semiconductor elements, as well as for making electronic devices or device components from the transferable semiconductor elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A and 1B is a schematic illustration of a multilayer structure on a substrate. FIG. 1B is a close-up view of a functional and release layer configuration.

FIG. 2A illustrates release by removal of a sacrificial layer and masking structures. FIG. 2B is a flow-chart that summarizes steps involved in a process to release FMEDs using an encapsulating mask layer. FIG. 2C is an example of a substrate for release of FMEDs for Metal-Semiconductor Field Effect Transistors (MESFETS).

FIG. 3A and 3B contrasts two different schemes for separating release layers from a multi-layer structure: FIG. 3A. is simultaneous removal of two or more release layers; FIG. 3B. is removal of release layers one-at-at-time. Multi-layer structures containing various functional layers (e.g., functional materials elements or devices (FMEDs)) and release layers are provided in FIG. 3C-3E. TABLE 2 reproduces the functional layer complex layered recipe provided in FIG. 3E.

FIG. 4 is a flow-chart of release of FMEDs for photovoltaics by a “multiple-layers-at-a-time” process with optional re-use of substrate.

FIG. 5 is a flow-chart release of FMEDs for photovoltaics by “one-layer-at-a-time” process with optional re-use of substrate.

FIG. 6A-6C summarizes use of laser ablation to separate a release layer. FIG. 6A illustrates the overall process. FIG. 6B provides an example of a structure for the release of FMEDs for LEDs by laser ablation. FIG. 6C is flow-chart summarizing one process for release of FMEDs for LEDs by laser ablation.

FIG. 7A-7B summarizes release by introducing a crack at an interface between FMEDs and the mother substrate and then pulling the FMEDs away from the mother substrate (e.g. using a rubber stamp) to propagate the crack. FIG. 7A illustrates the overall process. FIG. 7B is a flow-chart summarizing a process for release of FMEDs for LEDs by propagating a crack introduced by chemical means.

FIG. 8A-8C summarizes release using a carrier film by introducing a crack at an interface between FMEDs and the mother substrate and then pulling the FMEDs away from the mother substrate. FIG. 8A illustrates the overall process. FIG. 8B provides an example of a structure for the release of FMEDs by propagating a crack. FIG. 8C is flow-chart summarizing one process for release of FMEDs (array of SWNTs) using a carrier film and the separation of a crack introduced mechanically.

FIG. 9 illustrates a repeatable cycle combining simultaneous release of two or more release layers and reuseable use of the mother substrate. In this example, FMED layers and sacrificial layers are prepared on a mother substrate, FMEDs are fabricated, the sacrificial layers removed to release the FMEDs, and the process is repeated. FIG. 9 illustrates the overall process. Flow-chart of a corresponding process are provided in FIGS. 4-5.

FIG. 10 is a structure illustration of a substrate for release of polycrystalline/amorphous FMED materials by selective removal of sacrificial layers, shown here in a multilayer geometry (4 sacrificial layers).

FIG. 11 is a structure illustration of a substrate for FMED removal by propagating a chemically introduced crack.

FIG. 12 is a process flow-chart for the release of amorphous or polycrystalline FMED structures by removal of sacrificial layers.

FIG. 13A is a graph of spectral irradiance as a function of wavelength illustrating thermalization and transmission loss by a Si solar cell. FIG. 13B is a plot of the theoretical limit of solar cells as a function of number of junctions. Also plotted are values achieved by single-crystal and polycrystalline solar cells. From Dimroth and Kurtz, “High Efficiency Multijunction Solar Cells” MRS Bull. 32:230 (2007).

FIG. 14 illustrates that lattice and current matching provide a high quality device. From “High Efficiency Multijunction Solar Cells”Dimroth and Kurtz, MRS Bull. 32:230 (2007).

FIG. 15 summarizes the properties of an In_(0.5)Ga_(0.5)P/GaAs device (left) and related structure (right) (from Takamoto et al. “Over 30% efficient InGaP/GaAs tandem solar cells” App. Phys. Letters 70:381 (1997)).

FIG. 16 is a schematic illustration of a multi-layer structure for providing low-cost high-performance solar cell layers.

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration of steps for transfer printing, one layer at a time, organized arrays of silicon micro-/nanoribbons from multilayer stacks created on the surface of a silicon wafer. The arrays of ribbons can be printed onto a wide range of substrates, including flexible plastics as illustrated here. The dashed boxes on the left illustrate the zoomed regions that appear on the right

FIG. 18 is scanning electron micrographs of a Si (111) wafer (top panels) supporting a multilayer stack of ribbons (top panel). The bottom panel are SEM of ribbons with the inset an optical photograph (scale bar 2 mm).

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of partial release of functional layers by partial removal of release layers (sacrificial layers), several release layers at a time (see also FIG. 3A). The release is referred to as “partial” because devices remain tethered to the substrate after the release layers are partially removed. Full release or separation of the devices occurs with their removal, for example, by fracture of tethering structures and retrieval using an elastomer stamp. Also outlined are the steps of removing the anchoring structures to prepare the substrate for re-deposition of multi-layer stacks.

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of partial release of functional layers by partial removal of release layers (sacrificial layer), one release layer at a time (see also FIG. 3B). The release is referred to as “partial” because devices remain tethered to the substrate after the release layers are partially removed. Full release or separation of the devices happens upon their removal, for example, by fracture of tethering structures and retrieval using an elastomer stamp. This figure also outlines the steps of removing the anchoring structures to prepare the substrate for repeating the “one-layer-at-a-time release process” (as in FIG. 3B) and to prepare the substrate for re-deposition of multi-layer stacks.

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of partial release of functional layers using lateral etch stops or anchoring posts by removing several release layers (sacrificial layers), at a time (see also FIG. 3A). The release is referred to as “partial” because devices remain tethered to the substrate via the lateral etch stops/anchoring posts after the release layers are removed. Full release or separation of the devices happens upon their removal, for example, by fracture of tethering structures and retrieval using an elastomer stamp. This figure also outlines the steps of removing the lateral etch stops/anchoring posts to prepare the substrate for re-deposition of multi-layer stacks.

FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of partial release of functional layers using lateral etch stops or anchoring posts by removing one release layer (sacrificial layer), at a time (see also FIG. 3B). The release is referred to as “partial” because devices remain tethered to the substrate via the lateral etch stops/anchoring posts after the release layers are removed. Full release or separation of the devices happens upon their removal, for example, by fracture of tethering structures and retrieval using an elastomer stamp. This figure also outlines the steps of removing the lateral etch stops/anchoring posts for repeating the “one-layer-at-a-time release process” (as in FIG. 3B) and to prepare the substrate for re-deposition of multi-layer stacks.

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of post-release treatment of functional layers with anti-stiction or activation layers after they have been partially released via a process similar to that described in FIG. 20. The anti-stiction or activation layers, often self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), serve to prevent adhesion between released layers and underlying layers (anti-stiction) or to promote adhesion (activation) between the released layers and a second material (e.g. elastomer stamps, nanoparticles, biological entities, etc.).

FIG. 24 illustrates a printed thin-film iLEDs on plastic. The iLED epilayer structural configuration is provided in the left figure. These LEDs are shown as being capable of release from a wafer, but not from a stacked configuration. These LEDs, however, are optionally released in a multilayer configuration, as disclosed herein.

FIG. 25 is a schematic illustration of steps for fabricating bulk quantities of single-crystal silicon micro-/nanoribbons, in multilayer stacked configurations, from a conventional bulk Si(111) wafer. The process exploits the combined use of specialized etching procedures to generate trenches with sculpted sidewalls, shallow angle directional physical vapor deposition, and anisotropic wet chemical etching. The dashed boxes on the left illustrate the zoomed regions that appear on the right. BOE stands for buffered oxide etchant.

FIG. 26A-26H is a series of scanning electron micrographs of a Si(111) wafer in angled (FIG. 26A, 26C, 26E, 26G) and cross-sectional (FIG. 26B, 26D, 26F, 26H) views at various stages of fabrication of multilayer stacks of ribbons: (FIG. 26A and 26B) after vertical etching (ICPRIE) to produce trenches with rippled sidewalls; (FIG. 26C and 26D) after shallow angle physical vapor deposition of metal masking layers; (FIG. 26E-26H) after anisotropic wet chemical etching (KOH) for 2 min (FIG. 26E and 26F) and 5 min (FIG. 26G and 26H) followed by removal of the metal.

FIG. 27A is a photograph and FIGS. 27B and 27C are optical micrographs of Si(111) ribbons after release from the wafer. FIGS. 27D-27F are scanning electron micrographs of the ribbons shown in FIG. 27A at various levels of magnification.

FIG. 28A is a photograph of a large, aligned array of a four-layer stack of Si(111) ribbons. Top view (FIGS. 28B and 28C) and angled view (FIGS. 28D and 28E) of scanning electron micrographs of the sample shown in FIG. 28A. The anchor structures at the ends of the ribbons leaves them attached to the underlying wafer, in a manner that preserves their lithographically defined positions, even after they have been completely undercut by the anisotropic etchant.

FIG. 29A is an image of aligned Si(111) ribbons transfer printed onto a substrate of poly(dimethylsiloxane). FIG. 29B: Atomic force microscope image and line scan from four ribbons from the array shown in FIG. 29A. FIG. 29C: Photograph of a flexible polyester film that supports four separate patches of Si(111) ribbon arrays produced by four cycles of transfer printing using a single processed Si chip.

FIG. 30A: Schematic cross sectional diagram of a transistor that uses silicon ribbons for the semiconductor. FIG. 30B: Optical micrograph top view of a device. Transfer curve (FIG. 30C) and full current/voltage characteristics (FIG. 30D) from a typical device.

FIG. 31 shows various sidewalls according to different STS-ICPRIE conditions and silicon nanoribbons with different thicknesses.

FIG. 32 shows the extent of shadowing mask vs. angles for electron beam evaporation.

FIG. 33A-33C shows an EDAX energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) study.

FIG. 34 shows a series of 7-layered Si ribbons.

FIG. 35 is a schematic illustration of anchored release using patterned sacrificial structures.

FIG. 36 is one example of the process of FIG. 35 where Au is released from PECVD SiO_(x).

FIG. 37A and 37B provides SEM images of a multilayer structure made of seven GaAs layers (each 200 nm thick) separated by Al_(0.9)Ga_(0.1)As layers (each 100 nm thick) ready for release. FIG. 37A is a perspective view (scale bar 20 μm) and FIG. 37B is a front view (scale bar 2 μm).

FIG. 38 is a photomicrograph of the seven layers of GaAs from FIG. 37A and 37B retrieved onto PDMS stamps (labeled 1-7) after simultaneous release of the seven GaAs layers. A clean donor chip without any layers is labeled “donor chip.” The stamp labeled “8” shows that no significant GaAs structures remain on the donor chip.

FIG. 39A and 39B shows optical images of the GaAs layers exfoliated from a multilayer donor substrate via a PDMS stamp. The scale bars in FIG. 39A and FIG. 39B are 1 mm and 50 μm, respectively.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings, like numerals indicate like elements and the same number appearing in more than one drawing refers to the same element. In addition, hereinafter, the following definitions apply:

“Transferable” or “printable” are used interchangeably and relates to materials, structures, device components and/or integrated functional devices that are capable of transfer, assembly, patterning, organizing and/or integrating onto or into substrates. In an embodiment, transferable refers to the direct transfer of a structure or element from one substrate to another substrate, such as from the multilayer structure to a device substrate or a device or component supported by a device substrate. Alternatively, transferable refers to a structure or element that is printed via an intermediate substrate, such as a stamp that lifts-off the structure or element and then subsequently transfers the structure or element to a device substrate or a component that is on a device substrate. In an embodiment, the printing occurs without exposure of the substrate to high temperatures (i.e. at temperatures less than or equal to about 400 degrees Celsius). In one embodiment of the present invention, printable or transferable materials, elements, device components and devices are capable of transfer, assembly, patterning, organizing and/or integrating onto or into substrates via solution printing or dry transfer contact printing. Similarly, “printing” is used broadly to refer to the transfer, assembly, patterning, organizing and/or integrating onto or into substrates, such as a substrate that functions as a stamp or a substrate that is itself a target (e.g., device) substrate. Such a direct transfer printing provides low-cost and relatively simple repeated transfer of a functional top-layer of a multilayer structure to a device substrate. This achieves blanket transfer from, for example, a wafer to a target substrate without the need for a separate stamp substrate. “Target substrate” is used broadly to refer to the desired final substrate that will support the transferred structure. In an embodiment, the target substrate is a device substrate. In an embodiment, the target substrate is a device component or element that is itself supported by a substrate.

“Transferable semiconductor elements” of the present invention comprise semiconductor structures that are able to be assembled and/or integrated onto substrate surfaces, for example by dry transfer contact printing and/or solution printing methods. In one embodiment, transferable semiconductor elements of the present invention are unitary single crystalline, polycrystalline or microcrystalline inorganic semiconductor structures. In this context of this description, a unitary structure is a monolithic element having features that are mechanically connected. Semiconductor elements of the present invention may be undoped or doped, may have a selected spatial distribution of dopants and may be doped with a plurality of different dopant materials, including P and N type dopants. The present invention includes microstructured transferable semiconductor elements having at least one cross sectional dimension greater than or equal to about 1 micron and nanostructured transferable semiconductor elements having at least one cross sectional dimension less than or equal to about 1 micron. Transferable semiconductor elements useful in many applications comprises elements derived from “top down” processing of high purity bulk materials, such as high purity crystalline semiconductor wafers generated using conventional high temperature processing techniques. In one embodiment, transferable semiconductor elements of the present invention comprise composite structures having a semiconductor operational connected to at least one additional device component or structure, such as a conducting layer, dielectric layer, electrode, additional semiconductor structure or any combination of these. In one embodiment, transferable semiconductor elements of the present invention comprise stretchable semiconductor elements and/or heterogeneous semiconductor elements.

“Functional layer” refers to a layer capable of incorporation into a device or device component and that provides at least partial functionality to that device or device component. Depending on the particular device or device component, functional layer has a broad range of compositions. For example, a device that is a solar array can be made from a starting functional layer of III-V micro solar cells, including a functional layer that is itself made up a plurality of distinct layers as provided herein. Release and subsequent printing of such layers provides the basis for constructing a photovoltaic device or device component. In contrast, a functional layer for incorporation into electronics (MESFETs), LEDs, or optical systems may have a different layering configuration and/or compositions. Accordingly, the specific functional layer incorporated into the multilayer structure depends on the final device or device component in which the functional layer will be incorporated.

“Release layer” (sometimes referred to as “sacrificial layer”) refers to a layer that at least partially separates one or more functional layers. A release layer is capable of being removed or providing other means for facilitating separation of the functional layer from other layers of the multi-layer structure, such as by a release layer that physically separates in response to a physical, thermal, chemical and/or electromagnetic stimulation, for example. Accordingly, the actual release layer composition is selected to best match the means by which separation will be provided. Means for separating is by any one or more separating means known in the art, such as by interface failure or by release layer sacrifice. A release layer may itself remain connected to a functional layer, such as a functional layer that remains attached to the remaining portion of the multilayer structure, or a functional layer that is separated from the remaining portion of the multilayer structure. The release layer is optionally subsequently separated and/or removed from the functional layer.

“Supported by a substrate” refers to a structure that is present at least partially on a substrate surface or present at least partially on one or more intermediate structures positioned between the structure and the substrate surface. The term “supported by a substrate” may also refer to structures partially or fully embedded in a substrate.

“Solution printing” is intended to refer to processes whereby one or more structures, such as transferable semiconductor elements, are dispersed into a carrier medium and delivered in a concerted manner to selected regions of a substrate surface. In an exemplary solution printing method, delivery of structures to selected regions of a substrate surface is achieved by methods that are independent of the morphology and/or physical characteristics of the substrate surface undergoing patterning. Solution printing methods useable in the present invention include, but are not limited to, ink jet printing, thermal transfer printing, and capillary action printing.

Useful contact printing methods for assembling, organizing and/or integrating transferable semiconductor elements in the present methods include dry transfer contact printing, microcontact or nanocontact printing, microtransfer or nanotransfer printing and self assembly assisted printing. Use of contact printing is beneficial in the present invention because it allows assembly and integration of a plurality of transferable semiconductor in selected orientations and positions relative to each other. Contact printing in the present invention also enables effective transfer, assembly and integration of diverse classes of materials and structures, including semiconductors (e.g., inorganic semiconductors, single crystalline semiconductors, organic semiconductors, carbon nanomaterials etc.), dielectrics, and conductors. Contact printing methods of the present invention optionally provide high precision registered transfer and assembly of transferable semiconductor elements in preselected positions and spatial orientations relative to one or more device components prepatterned on a device substrate. Contact printing is also compatible with a wide range of substrate types, including conventional rigid or semi-rigid substrates such as glasses, ceramics and metals, and substrates having physical and mechanical properties attractive for specific applications, such as flexible substrates, bendable substrates, shapeable substrates, conformable substrates and/or stretchable substrates. Contact printing assembly of transferable semiconductor structures is compatible, for example, with low temperature processing (e.g., less than or equal to 298K). This attribute allows the present optical systems to be implemented using a range of substrate materials including those that decompose or degrade at high temperatures, such as polymer and plastic substrates. Contact printing transfer, assembly and integration of device elements is also beneficial because it can be implemented via low cost and high-throughput printing techniques and systems, such as roll-to-roll printing and flexographic printing methods and systems. “Contact printing” refers broadly to a dry transfer contact printing such as with a stamp that facilitates transfer of features from a stamp surface to a substrate surface. In an embodiment, the stamp is an elastomeric stamp. Alternatively, the transfer can be directly to a target (e.g., device) substrate. The following references relate to self assembly techniques which may be used in methods of the present invention to transfer, assembly and interconnect transferable semiconductor elements via contact printing and/or solution printing techniques and are incorporated by reference in their entireties herein: (1) “Guided molecular self-assembly: a review of recent efforts”, Jiyun C Huie Smart Mater. Struct. (2003) 12, 264-271; (2) “Large-Scale Hierarchical Organization of Nanowire Arrays for Integrated Nanosystems”, Whang, D.; Jin, S.; Wu, Y.; Lieber, C. M. Nano Lett. (2003) 3(9), 1255-1259; (3) “Directed Assembly of One-Dimensional Nanostructures into Functional Networks”, Yu Huang, Xiangfeng Duan, Qingqiao Wei, and Charles M. Lieber, Science (2001) 291, 630-633; and (4) “Electric-field assisted assembly and alignment of metallic nanowires”, Peter A. Smith et al., Appl. Phys. Lett. (2000) 77(9), 1399-1401.

“Carrier film” refers to a material that facilitates separation of layers. The carrier film may be a layer of material, such as a metal or metal-containing material positioned adjacent to a layer that is desired to be removed. The carrier film may be a composite of materials, including incorporated or attached to a polymeric material or photoresist material, wherein a lift-off force applied to the material provides release of the composite of materials from the underlying layer (such as a functional layer, for example).

“Semiconductor” refers to any material that is a material that is an insulator at a very low temperature, but which has a appreciable electrical conductivity at a temperatures of about 300 Kelvin. In the present description, use of the term semiconductor is intended to be consistent with use of this term in the art of microelectronics and electronic devices. Semiconductors useful in the present invention may comprise element semiconductors, such as silicon, germanium and diamond, and compound semiconductors, such as group IV compound semiconductors such as SiC and SiGe, group III-V semiconductors such as AlSb, AlAs, Aln, AIP, BN, GaSb, GaAs, GaN, GaP, InSb, InAs, InN, and InP, group III-V ternary semiconductors alloys such as Al_(x)Ga_(1-x)As, group II-VI semiconductors such as CsSe, CdS, CdTe, ZnO, ZnSe, ZnS, and ZnTe, group I-VII semiconductors CuCl, group IV-VI semiconductors such as PbS, PbTe and SnS, layer semiconductors such as PbI₂, MoS₂ and GaSe, oxide semiconductors such as CuO and Cu₂O. The term semiconductor includes intrinsic semiconductors and extrinsic semiconductors that are doped with one or more selected materials, including semiconductor having p-type doping materials and n-type doping materials, to provide beneficial electronic properties useful for a given application or device. The term semiconductor includes composite materials comprising a mixture of semiconductors and/or dopants. Specific semiconductor materials useful for in some applications of the present invention include, but are not limited to, Si, Ge, SiC, AIP, AlAs, AlSb, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, InAs, GaSb, InP, InAs, InSb, ZnO, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdSe, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, HgS, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, AlGaAs, AlInAs, AlInP, GaAsP, GalnAs, GaInP, AlGaAsSb, AlGaInP, and GaInAsP. Porous silicon semiconductor materials are useful for applications of the present invention in the field of sensors and light emitting materials, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) and solid state lasers. Impurities of semiconductor materials are atoms, elements, ions and/or molecules other than the semiconductor material(s) themselves or any dopants provided to the semiconductor material. Impurities are undesirable materials present in semiconductor materials which may negatively impact the electronic properties of semiconductor materials, and include but are not limited to oxygen, carbon, and metals including heavy metals. Heavy metal impurities include, but are not limited to, the group of elements between copper and lead on the periodic table, calcium, sodium, and all ions, compounds and/or complexes thereof.

“Dielectric” and “dielectric material” are used synonymously in the present description and refer to a substance that is highly resistant to flow of electric current. Useful dielectric materials include, but are not limited to, SiO₂, Ta₂O₅, TiO₂, ZrO₂, Y₂O₃, Si₃N₄, STO, BST, PLZT, PMN, and PZT.

“Device field effect mobility” refers to the field effect mobility of an electronic device, such as a transistor, as computed using output current data corresponding to the electronic device.

The invention may be further understood by the following non-limiting examples. All references cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the disclosure herewith. Although the description herein contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention. For example, thus the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their equivalents, rather than by the examples given.

An aspect of the present invention is providing FMEDs that can be incorporated into a device or device component in a low-cast manner via multi-layer processing. One example of a multilayer structure 10 having a plurality of functional layers (FMEDs) 20 is provided in FIG. 1A and 1B. Functional layers 20 are separated from adjacent functional layers by release layer 30. The plurality of functional layers 20 and release layers 30 are supported on substrate 40 and functional layer 20 is itself a composite of a plurality of layers. For example, functional layer 20 may comprise III-V epilayers as illustrated (e.g., p-doped GaAs top layer 21, a middle layer of low-doped GaAs 22, and a lower layer of n-doped GaAs 23), useful in solar cells. The lowest layer is supported on a release layer 30 that is Al_(0.9)Ga_(0.1)As, that may be doped or undoped. Release layer 30 facilitates access to one or more of functional layers 20 in the multilayer structure 10.

Examples of release by different kinds of stimuli include: Release by etching, dissolution, burning, etc. (any means of removal) of an embedded sacrificial layer or sacrificial layers (see Table 1). For example, the release layer(s) may be selectively etched/dissolved/burned/removed two or more times faster than the FMEDs, and/or masking of structures or layers may be employed to protect the FMEDs from exposure to the agent used for removal of the sacrificial layers. The release layer(s) are removed one-at-a-time or two or more sacrificial layers are removed simultaneously.

FIG. 2A illustrates a multilayer structure 10 with a mask layer 410 that coats at least a portion of the functional layer 20, such as between the functional layer 20 and release layer 30. Mask layer 410 optionally comprises an additional mask 400, such as mask 400 that surrounds the remaining portions not covered by mask 400. In FIG. 2A, release layer 30 is labeled as a sacrificial layer and functional layer 20 as FMED having two layers. Mask 400 and 410 may act as an etch-stop to protect functional layer 20 from etchent means that removes sacrificial layer 30, thereby facilitating lift-off of layers 20 from substrate 40. FIG. 2B is a flow-chart that summarizes a process for generating transferable FMEDs from a multilayer structure using an encapsulating mask (see also FIG. 2B).

A structure that is useful for use in MESFETs is provided in FIG. 2C, where the functional layer 20 comprises a 120 nm thick GaAs first layer 21 and a 150 nm thick AlGaAs semi-insulating second layer 22. The release layer 30 is a 100 nm thick Al_(0.96)Ga_(0.04) barrier layer capable of facilitating separation of 30 from substrate 40.

EXAMPLE 1

Release of Transferable Structures for Photovoltaics, Electronics and LEDs.

FIGS. 3A and 3B schematically illustrate methods and structures for simultaneous removal of multiple release layers (FIG. 3A) and sequential layer-by-layer removal of release layers (FIG. 3B). In FIG. 3A, a portion of the multilayer structure 10 is exposed to etchant means, thereby forming an etched access passage 35. Passage 35 provides simultaneous access to a plurality of release layers 30 (three, in this example). In this manner, a plurality of transferable structures 100 are available for printing to a surface of interest, such as a device substrate or device component supported by a substrate by any means known in the art (e.g., liquid printing, contact printing, etc.).

FIG. 3B summarizes layer-by-layer removal, where etchant access channel 35 spans only the top-most functional layer 20 so that only a single functional layer 20 is released to provide transferable structures 100 from one singly functional layer 20. If necessary, functional layer 20 may be protected by a mask (not shown) prior to introducing a chemical means for removing release layers 30. The process is repeated for each additional functional layer 20. For both of the process depicted in FIGS. 3A-3B, the mother substrate 40 upon which multilayer structure 10 is supported, may be reused.

A number of examples of different functional/release layer compositions and geometry for making different devices or device components are provided in FIGS. 3C-3E. FIG. 3C provides an example of a structure having FMEDs for making photovoltaics, where AlGaAs is the release layer. FIG. 3D provides an example of a multilayer structure having FMEDs for making electronics (e.g., MESFETs). FIG. 3E provides an example of a multilayer structure having FMEDs for making LEDs. For clarity, the 15-layer structure of the functional layer 20 is reproduced in TABLE 2. FIGS. 4-5 summarize steps used in a process for releasing multiple functional layers (FIG. 4) or sequential layer-by-layer release of functional layers (FIG. 5).

Functional layers are released by any means known in the art, such as by undercutting, etching, dissolution, burning, etc. (any means of removal) of an embedded release layer or sacrificial layer. There are a variety of strategies for releasing functional layers that use a variety of stimuli, some are provided in TABLE 1. TABLE 1 also shows that the composition of the functional and release layers may be selected depending on the release strategy employed. The sacrificial layer(s) are selectively etched/dissolved/burned/removed about two or more times faster than the functional layers that make up the FMEDs. Optionally, a mask layer 400 is provided to protect the FMEDs 20 from exposure to the agent used for removal of the sacrificial layers (see FIG. 2A). Release layers may be removed one-at-a-time or a plurality of release layers may be removed simultaneously (compare FIG. 3A and 3B and flow-charts in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5.

Simultaneous release of functional layers is outlined in FIGS. 3A and 4. FIG. 4 summarizes release of FMEDs for photovoltaics by multiple-layers-at-a-time” with optional re-use of substrate for subsequent generation of additional transferable FMEDS. The functional layers comprise epitaxially grown semiconductors. The process also works for amorphous or polycrystalline materials similar to the process described in FIG. 12. Briefly, a GaAs substrate is obtained. Grow epilayers shown in FIG. 3C, for example, on GaAs substrate by MOCVD, MBE, etc. (similar process for FIGS. 3D and 3E for transistors, LEDs, respectively). Pre-treat substrate prior to growth as needed (CMP is optionally required). Grow about ˜200 nm buffer layer of GaAs adjacent to substrate before depositing or epitaxially growing functional and sacrificial layers. A portion of the surface of the top epilayer may be masked with SiO₂ by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) and a form of lithography for patterning. Etch unmasked regions of epilayers using Cl/Ar/H plasma from surface to a distance into any Al_(0.96)Ga_(0.04)As sacrificial layer (for example, into the sacrificial layer closest to the substrate). The sacrificial layer should not be the one farthest from the substrate (in that case, the release would be in a “one-at-a-time” process as summarized in FIGS. 3B and 5). Expose the substrate to concentrated HF to at least partially remove the exposed sacrificial layers and release the functional epilayers above the sacrificial layers by lateral undercutting. (HF attacks the functional epilayers more slowly (less than 1/10 etch rate) than it does the sacrificial layer). Separate the released FMEDs from substrate by stamping or perform solvent exchange for fluidic assembly or ink jet printing, electrospinning, etc. Use HF to remove any remaining portions of the sacrificial layers; wash/rub away any remaining portions of the overlying functional epilayers (anchoring structures, etc.). The functional layers that were originally directly underneath layers that have since been removed are now exposed and on the surface of the substrate. Repeat steps between masking and HF removal, thereby releasing sets of functional layers (each set separated by sacrificial layers) until no sacrificial layers remain on the substrate. For optional re-use of the substrate, these steps are repeated as desired.

Release of a single functional layer is outlined in FIGS. 3B and 5. A substrate, such as a GaAs wafer provides support for growth of epilayers, such as the functional layer described in FIG. 3C, by MOCVD, MBE, etc. The substrate may be pre-treated prior to growth as needed (e.g., CMP). Likely will need to grow ˜200 nm buffer layer of GaAs adjacent to substrate before deposition or epitaxial growth of the release and functional layers. Mask portion of the surface of the top epilayer with SiO₂ by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) and any form of lithography for patterning. Etch unmasked regions of epilayers using Cl/Ar/H plasma from surface to some distance into the first Al_(0.96)Ga_(0.04)As sacrificial layer. Expose the substrate to concentrated HF to at least partially remove the exposed sacrificial layer (one) and release the epilayers above the sacrificial layer (functional layers) by lateral undercutting. (HF attacks the functional epilayers more slowly (less than 1/10 etch rate) than it does the sacrificial layer).

Referring to FIGS. 3B, 3C and 5, etch unmasked regions of epilayers using Cl/Ar plasma from surface through epilayers to some distance into substrate. Encapsulate the remaining portions of the epilayers with photoresist, covering the top and side surfaces. Expose the substrate to aqueous citric acid+H₂O₂ to etch the GaAs substrate and release the functional epilayers above the sacrificial layers (functional layers) by lateral undercutting (the wet etchant attacks the barrier epilayer more slowly (less than 1/10 etch rate) than it does the GaAs substrate, and the functional GaAs layers are protected from the wet etchant by the photoresist that encapsulates them.) In FIG. 2A, the AlGaAs epilayer corresponds to the “mask” 400, and the photoresist encapsulation corresponds to the “additional mask” 410.

Any of the released FMEDs may be separated from substrate by stamping or do solvent exchange for fluidic assembly or ink jet printing, electrospinning, etc.

Release is also accomplished by directional etching (e.g. Si 111, Si 110) (see provisional U.S. Pat. App. 60/826,354, filed Sep. 20, 2006 for “Bulk Quantities of Single Crystal Silicon Micro-/Nanoribbons Generated from Bulk Wafers, Atty. ref. no. 151-06P, hereby incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent herewith) for anisotropic etching and/or mask layer to protect FMEDs from the etching.

EXAMPLE 2

Release of Transferable Structures by Laser Ablation.

Other release methods include release by removal of the mother substrate by grinding/polishing/etching or release by thermal shock (e.g. by thermal expansion coefficient mismatch). Release may also be by ablation/decomposition/chemical reaction of embedded layers, such as ablation/decomposition/chemical reaction caused by laser-induced heating. FIG. 6A provides a schematic illustration of a laser ablation release method. Electromagnetic radiation is introduced through an at least partially transparent substrate 40 upon which functional layer 20 is supported, such as by a laser positioned on the side of substrate 40 that is opposite the surface upon which the multilayer structure rests. Laser-induced heating causes release of transferable FMED 100 either by failure of interfacial surface between 20 and 40 or by at least partial removal of a laser-ablating sensitive release surface 30. Release surface 30 may remain partially attached against one or both of structure 100 or substrate 40, as indicated by ablation products 37. Those products 37 are subsequently removed as desired. FIG. 6B is an example of a suitable substrate for the release of FMEDs for LEDs by laser ablation. Substrate 40 corresponds to a sapphire substrate. FIG. 6C summarizes release of FMEDs for LEDs by laser ablation or by ablation/decomposition/chemical reaction that is spontaneous at ambient conditions. FIG. 10 summarizes the basic strategy for release of polycrystalline/amorphous FMED materials by selective removal of release layers by different release signals (e.g., electricity and/or heat). FIG. 12 summarizes release of amorphous FMED structures by removal of sacrificial layers.

EXAMPLE 3

Release of Transferable Structures by Propagation of an Induced Interfacial Crack.

Another release mechanism is by introducing a crack at an interface between FMEDs and the mother substrate and then pulling the FMEDs away from the mother substrate (e.g. using a rubber stamp) to propagate the crack (see FIG. 7A). The crack can be introduced in any number of manners, such as mechanically (e.g. by cutting; see FIGS. 8B-8C and 12), chemically (e.g. by etching) (see FIGS. 7B and 11), or thermally (e.g. by shock induced by thermal expansion coefficient mismatch).

Optionally, any of the above means for releasing a transferable structure is combined with a carrier structure, for example a carrier film (FIG. 8A), such as a gold film as a carrier structure for printing carbon nanotubes (see Nature Nanotech. Vol 2, p.230). This process can be effective for FEMDs that are small (e.g., less than about 50 nm, e.g. molecules, SWNT, etc.) chemically fragile, mechanically fragile, mechanically soft, numerous and/or unwieldy to fabricate individually. FIGS. 8B and 8C provide examples of a structure and process, respectively, for inducing a crack mechanically between a substrate and a carrier film to release transferable FMEDs.

Release by any of the methods described herein is optionally incorporated into a process that reuses the mother substrate 40, as shown in FIG. 9A (and optionally provided in FIGS. 4 and 5), thereby providing improved manufacturing cost savings.

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration of partial release of functional layers by partial removal of release layers (sacrificial layers), several release layers at a time (see also FIG. 3A). The release is referred to as “partial” because devices remain tethered to the substrate after the release layers are partially removed. Full release or separation of the devices happens upon their removal, for example, by fracture of tethering structures and retrieval using an elastomer stamp. This figure also outlines the steps of removing the anchoring structures to prepare the substrate for re-deposition of multi-layer stacks. Some examples of multi-layer structures that may yield printable devices according to the process outlined in FIG. 19 are shown in FIGS. 3C-3E. The details of the process are outlined in FIG. 4. FIG. 4 summarizes release of FMEDs for photovoltaics by “multiple-layers-at-a-time” with optional re-use of substrate for subsequent generation of additional transferable FMEDS. The functional layers comprise epitaxially grown semiconductors. The process also works for amorphous or polycrystalline materials similar to the process described in FIG. 12. Briefly, a GaAs substrate is obtained. Grow epilayers shown in FIG. 3C, for example, on GaAs substrate by MOCVD, MBE, etc. (similar process for FIGS. 3D and 3E for transistors, LEDs, respectively). Pre-treat substrate prior to growth as needed (CMP is optionally required). Grow about ˜200 nm buffer layer of GaAs adjacent to substrate before depositing or epitaxially growing functional and sacrificial layers. A portion of the surface of the top epilayer may be masked with SiO₂ by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) and a form of lithography for patterning. Etch unmasked regions of epilayers using Cl/Ar/H plasma from surface to a distance into any Al_(0.96)Ga_(0.04)As sacrificial layer (for example, into the sacrificial layer closest to the substrate). The sacrificial layer should not be the one farthest from the substrate (in that case, the release would be in a “one-at-a-time” process as summarized in FIGS. 3B and 5). Expose the substrate to concentrated HF to at least partially remove the exposed sacrificial layers and release the functional epilayers above the sacrificial layers by lateral undercutting. (HF attacks the functional epilayers more slowly (less than 1/10 etch rate) than it does the sacrificial layer). Separate the released FMEDs from substrate by stamping or perform solvent exchange for fluidic assembly or ink jet printing, electrospinning, etc. Use HF to remove any remaining portions of the sacrificial layers; wash/rub away any remaining portions of the overlying functional epilayers (anchoring structures, etc.). The functional layers that were originally directly underneath the layers that have since been removed are now exposed and on the surface of the substrate. Repeat steps between masking and HF removal, thereby releasing sets of functional layers (each set separated by sacrificial layers) until no sacrificial layers remain on the substrate. For optional re-use of the substrate, these steps are repeated as desired.

FIG. 20 is a schematic illustration of partial release of functional layers by partial removal of release layers (sacrificial layer), one release layer at a time (see also FIG. 3B). The release is referred to as “partial” because devices remain tethered to the substrate after the release layers are partially removed. Full release or separation of the devices happens upon their removal, for example, by fracture of tethering structures and retrieval using an elastomer stamp. This figure also outlines the steps of removing the anchoring structures to prepare the substrate for repeating the “one-layer-at-a-time release process” (as in FIG. 3B) and to prepare the substrate for re-deposition of multi-layer stacks. Some examples of multi-layer structures that may yield printable devices according to the process outlined herein are shown in FIGS. 3C-3E. The details of the process are outlined in FIG. 5. A substrate, such as a GaAs wafer provides support for growth of epilayers, such as the functional layer described in FIG. 3C, by MOCVD, MBE, etc. The substrate may be pre-treated prior to growth as needed (e.g., CMP). Likely will need to grow ˜200 nm buffer layer of GaAs adjacent to substrate before deposition or epitaxial growth of the release and functional layers. Mask portion of the surface of the top epilayer with SiO₂ by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) and any form of lithography for patterning. Etch unmasked regions of epilayers using Cl/Ar/H plasma from surface to some distance into the first A_(0.96)Ga_(0.04)As sacrificial layer. Expose the substrate to concentrated HF to at least partially remove the exposed sacrificial layer (one) and release the epilayers above the sacrificial layer (functional layers) by lateral undercutting. (HF attacks the functional epilayers more slowly (less than 1/10 etch rate) than it does the sacrificial layer.) Separate the released FMEDs from substrate by stamping or do solvent exchange for fluidic assembly or ink jet printing, electrospinning, etc. Repeat steps between masking and HF removal, thereby releasing functional layers until no sacrificial layers remain on the substrate. For optional re-use of the substrate, these steps are repeated as desired.

FIG. 21 is a schematic illustration of partial release of functional layers using lateral etch stops or anchoring posts by removing several release layers (sacrificial layers), at a time (see also FIG. 3A). The release is referred to as “partial” because devices remain tethered to the substrate via the lateral etch stops/anchoring posts after the release layers are removed. Full release or separation of the devices happens upon their removal, for example, by fracture of tethering structures and retrieval using an elastomer stamp. This figure also outlines the steps of removing the lateral etch stops/anchoring posts to prepare the substrate for re-deposition of multi-layer stacks. Some examples of multi-layer structures that may yield printable devices according to the process outlined herein are shown in FIGS. 3C-3E. The details of the process are outlined in the following: The functional layers comprise epitaxially grown semiconductors. The process also works for amorphous or polycrystalline materials similar to the process described in FIG. 12. Briefly, a GaAs substrate is obtained. Grow epilayers shown in FIG. 3C, for example, on GaAs substrate by MOCVD, MBE, etc. (similar process for FIG. 3D and 3E for transistors, LEDs, respectively). Pre-treat substrate prior to growth as needed (CMP is optionally required). Grow about ˜200 nm buffer layer of GaAs adjacent to substrate before depositing or epitaxially growing functional and sacrificial layers. A portion of the surface of the top epilayer may be masked with SiO₂ by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) and a form of lithography for patterning. Etch unmasked regions of epilayers using Cl/Ar/H plasma from surface to a distance into any Al_(0.96)Ga_(0.04)As sacrificial layer (for example, into the sacrificial layer closest to the substrate). The sacrificial layer should not be the one farthest from the substrate (in that case, the release would be in a “one-at-a-time” process as summarized in FIGS. 3B and 5). Deposit a conformal coating of silicon nitride by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition. Pattern the silicon nitride, for example by photolithography and etching using a fluorine plasma, to define lateral etch stops and/or anchoring posts. Expose the substrate to concentrated HF to at least partially remove the exposed sacrificial layers and release the functional epilayers above the sacrificial layers by lateral undercutting. (HF attacks the functional epilayers more slowly (less than 1/10 etch rate) than it does the sacrificial layer). Separate the released FMEDs from substrate by stamping or perform solvent exchange for fluidic assembly or ink jet printing, electrospinning, etc. Use HF to remove any remaining portions of the sacrificial layers. Use fluorine plasma to remove the silicon nitride; wash/rub away any remaining portions of the overlying functional epilayers (anchoring structures, etc.). Repeat HF, fluorine plasma and washing until the functional layers that were originally directly underneath the layers that have since been removed are cleanly exposed and on the surface of the substrate. Repeat steps between masking and cleaning, thereby releasing sets of functional layers (each set separated by sacrificial layers) until no sacrificial layers remain on the substrate. For optional re-use of the substrate, these steps are repeated as desired.

FIG. 22: schematic illustrations of partial release of functional layers using lateral etch stops or anchoring posts by removing one release layer (sacrificial layer), at a time (see also FIG. 3B). The release is referred to as “partial” because devices remain tethered to the substrate via the lateral etch stops/anchoring posts after the release layers are removed. Full release or separation of the devices happens upon their removal, for example, by fracture of tethering structures and retrieval using an elastomer stamp. This figure also outlines the steps of removing the lateral etch stops/anchoring posts for repeating the “one-layer-at-a-time release process” (as in FIG. 3B) and to prepare the substrate for re-deposition of multi-layer stacks. Some examples of multi-layer structures that may yield printable devices according to the process outlined in FIG. 22 are shown in FIGS. 3C-3E. The details of the process are as follows. A substrate, such as a GaAs wafer provides support for growth of epilayers, such as the functional layer described in FIG. 3C, by MOCVD, MBE, etc. The substrate may be pre-treated prior to growth as needed (e.g., CMP). Likely will need to grow ˜200 nm buffer layer of GaAs adjacent to substrate before deposition or epitaxial growth of the release and functional layers. Mask portion of the surface of the top epilayer with SiO₂ by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) and any form of lithography for patterning. Etch unmasked regions of epilayers using Cl/Ar/H plasma from surface to some distance into the first _(Al) _(0.96)Ga_(0.04)As sacrificial layer. Deposit a conformal coating of silicon nitride by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition. Pattern the silicon nitride, for example by photolithography and etching using a fluorine plasma, to define lateral etch stops and/or anchoring posts. Expose the substrate to concentrated HF to at least partially remove the exposed sacrificial layer (one) and release the epilayers above the sacrificial layer (functional layers) by lateral undercutting. (HF attacks the functional epilayers more slowly (less than 1/10 etch rate) than it does the sacrificial layer.) Separate the released FMEDs from substrate by stamping or do solvent exchange for fluidic assembly or ink jet printing, electrospinning, etc. Use HF to remove any remaining portions of the sacrificial layers. Use fluorine plasma to remove the silicon nitride; wash/rub away any remaining portions of the overlying functional epilayers (anchoring structures, etc.). Repeat HF, fluorine plasma and washing until the functional layers that were originally directly underneath the first sacrificial layer are cleanly exposed and on the surface of the substrate. Repeat steps between masking and HF removal, thereby releasing functional layers until no sacrificial layers remain on the substrate. For optional re-use of the substrate, these steps are repeated as desired.

FIG. 23: schematic illustrations of post-release treatment of functional layers with anti-stiction or activation layers after they have been partially released via a process similar to that described in FIG. 20. The anti-stiction or activation layers, often self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), serve to avoid adhesion between released layers and underlying layers (anti-stiction) or to promote adhesion (activation) between the released layers and some other entity (e.g. elastomer stamps, nanoparticles, biological entities, etc.). An example of a system to which the process outlined in FIG. 23 may be applied is described in FIG. 3D. After the definition of devices (e.g. by photolithography and chlorine plasma etching) and partial removal of the AlGaAs release layer by HF, an ethanolic solution of organic thiol-terminated molecule may be used to treat the exposed GaAs surfaces. For anti-stiction, this molecule may be an alkanethiol, for example, hexadecanethiol, or a perfluorinated alkanethiol. For activation, the thiol may be terminated additionally by reactive chemical groups, for example, octanedithiol.

FIGS. 35 and 36 provide a further example of an anchoring strategy that further improves generation of transferable structures that break from anchoring structures at well-defined positions, such as by a heterogeneous anchoring strategy (e.g., see FIG. 21). In particular, the advantages of the heterogeneous anchoring over homogeneous anchoring, (e.g. FIG. 20) include flexibility in designing breakable tether points, enhanced transfer control, and improvement of transfer registrability. In addition, various anchoring processes provide more efficient use of the wafer substrate area. Patterned sacrificial regions provide a capability to ensure that the transferable structures break from the anchoring structures at well-defined positions. In addition, patterned sacrificial increased increase area coverage. For example, because the anchoring structures are not undercut by the agent that removes the sacrificial layer, they need not be broader than perforations of the transferable structure. FIG. 36 illustrates the anchoring concept outlined in FIG. 35 and is an example of its practice: printing a mostly-transparent gold mesh from a silicon wafer to plastic.

The processes disclosed herein are particularly suited for high-throughput printing of structures from a multilayer device to a substrate or component supported by a substrate, thereby decreasing manufacturing time and costs. For example, FIG. 37A and 37B is an SEM of a seven-layer structure, where adjacent GaAs layers are separated by Al_(0.9)Ga_(0.1)As layers. Epistructures are etched with phosphoric acid and hydrogen peroxide. The multilayer microstructures are machined from epilayers on a GaAs substrate by photolithography and wet etching.

FIG. 38 is a photograph of the seven GaAs layers retrieved onto PDMS stamps after simultaneous release of the seven GaAs layers. Similar retrieval is expected for individual layer-by-layer release as disclosed herein. Briefly, the release procedure involves masking the epistructure with S1802 photoresist. The masked structure is etched with H₃PO₄:H₂O₂:DI, 1:13:12, for 1 min. The photoresist is stripped with acetone followed by chemical removal of the release layers with 49% HF for 35 seconds and dry rinsing with N₂. Layers are sequentially exfoliated (labeled in FIG. 38 as 1 through 8) using PDMS stamps. The 8th stamp is used to check for “left-overs.” FIG. 39A and 39B provides an optical image of a GaAs layer exfoliated from the multilayer donor substrate on the surface of a PDMS stamp. These layers are ready for printing to device substrate or to a component or a device substrate.

EXAMPLE 4

Bulk Quantities of Single-Crystal Silicon Micro-/Nanoribbons Generated from Bulk Wafers.

This Example demonstrates a strategy for producing bulk quantities of high quality, dimensionally uniform single-crystal silicon micro- and nanoribbons from bulk silicon (111) wafers. The process uses etched trenches with controlled rippled structures defined on the sidewalls, together with angled evaporation of masking materials and anisotropic wet etching of the silicon, to produce multilayer stacks of ribbons with uniform thicknesses and lithographically defined lengths and widths, across the entire surface of the wafer. Ribbons with thicknesses between tens and hundreds of nanometers, widths in the micrometer range, and lengths of up to several centimeters, are produced, in bulk quantities, using this approach. Printing processes enable the layer by layer transfer of organized arrays of such ribbons to a range of other substrates. Good electrical properties (mobilities ˜190 cm²V⁻¹s⁻¹, on/off >10⁴) can be achieved with these ribbons in thin film type transistors formed on plastic substrates, thereby demonstrating one potential area of application.

Nanostructured elements of single-crystal silicon, in the form of wires, ribbons, and particles, are of interest for a number of applications in electronics, optoelectronics, sensing, and other areas. The ribbon geometry is important for certain devices because it provides, for example, large planar surfaces for chemical sensing and photodetection, and geometries that can efficiently fill the channel regions of transistors. Growth techniques related to the well-developed chemical synthetic approaches used for silicon nanowires^(l) have been adapted and applied with some success to produce Si nanoribbons.²The levels of dimensional control and yields of ribbons provided by these procedures and similar ones for materials such as oxides (ZnO, SnO₂, Ga₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, In₂O₃, CdO, PbO₂, etc.),³ sulfides (CdS, ZnS),⁴ nitride (GaN),⁵ and selenides (CdSe, ZnSe, Sb₂Se₃)⁶ are, however, modest. By contrast, approaches that rely on the lithographic processing of top surfaces of semiconductor wafers enable well-controlled thicknesses, widths, lengths, crystallinity, and doping levels. These methods can form membranes, tubes, and ribbons, with thicknesses in the micrometer to nanometer range, composed of Si, SiGe, bilayered Si/SiGe, GaAs, GaN, and others.⁷⁻¹²Furthermore, various processes can transfer these elements, in organized arrays, to other substrates for device integration. This “top down” approach has three main disadvantages compared to the growth techniques. First, elements with widths less than ˜100 nm are difficult to fabricate, due to practical limitations in the lithography. Second, only those materials that can be grown in thin film or bulk wafer form can be used. Third, and most significant for many applications, the production of bulk quantities of micro-/nanostructures requires large numbers of wafers, each of which can be expensive. The first disadvantage is irrelevant to the many applications that do not require structures with such small dimensions. The second does not, of course, apply to many important materials, including silicon. This Example presents results that address the third limitation. In particular, it introduces a simple method for generating large numbers of high-quality Si ribbons, with thicknesses down to tens of nanometers, from standard bulk Si wafers, in a single processing sequence. Briefly, the approach begins with controlled deep reactive ion etching of silicon wafers through an etch mask to produce trenches with well-defined rippled sidewall morphologies. A collimated flux of metal deposited at an angle onto these ripples creates isolated metal lines that act as masks for highly anisotropic wet etching of the silicon along planes parallel to the surface of the wafer. This single etching step creates bulk quantities of silicon ribbons in multilayer stacked geometries. These ribbons can be removed from the wafer and solution cast or dry transfer printed onto desired substrates, with or without preserving their lithographically defined spatial order, for integration into devices such as transistors. This approach relies only on standard cleanroom processing equipment. As a result, it can be useful to researchers with interest in silicon micro-nanostructures but without the specialized growth chambers and recipes needed to create them in large quantities using direct synthetic techniques.

FIG. 25 presents a schematic illustration of the fabrication sequence. In the first step, dry thermal oxidation at 1100° C. for 2 h produced a thin (˜150 nm) layer of SiO₂on the surface of the wafer. After coating an adhesion promoter, 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexamethyldidilazane (HMDS, Acros Organics), contact mode photolithography (Shipley 1805 photoresist (PR) and MF-26A developer) followed by annealing at 110° C. for 5 min provided a PR mask. Wet etching in a buffered oxide etchant (BOE, Transene Co.) solution for 1 min 30 s and cleaning the residual PR in acetone generated lines of SiO₂on the wafer. These lines provided masking layers for inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching of the silicon (STS-ICPRIE, STS Mesc Multiplex Advanced Silicon Etcher). The lines were oriented perpendicular to the

110

direction as shown in FIG. 25, such that the sidewalls of the etched trenches exposed the {110} planes. ICPRIE tools are principally designed to produce high aspect ratio structures and flat, vertical sidewalls by use of alternating cycles of etching the silicon and depositing a fluoropolymer to protect the sidewalls against the etch.¹³We instead modified the process cycles to sculpt well-controlled rippled structures of relief into these sidewalls, through suitable control of gas flow rate, electrode power, chamber pressure, and etching cycle duration. Ripples with periods and amplitudes in a range of 80 nm to 1.5 μm and 50-450 nm, respectively, could be achieved reproducibly and uniformly over the processed areas (4 in. wafer size). As an example, parameters that produced periods and amplitudes of 540 and 130 nm, respectively, were as follows: gas flow, O₂/SF₆=13/130 sccm (cubic centimeter per minute at STP) for etching and C₄F₈=110 sccm for deposition; gas pressure, 94 mTorr; etching power, 600/12 W for inductive coupled plasma (ICP)/platen (P); deposition power, 600/0 W for ICP/P; etching duration, 7 s; deposition duration, 5 s. The etching conditions between the deposition cycles define these ripple structures. Because the SF₆/O₂ mixture gives nearly isotropic etching, the amplitudes and periods of the ripples are related. The smallest ripple structure has a period of 80 nm with an amplitude of 50 nm; the largest has a period of 1.5 μm and an amplitude of 450 nm. Immersing the etched samples in NH₄OH/H₂O₂/H₂O=1:1:5 at 100° C. for 10 min removed the fluoropolymer on the sidewalls. Dipping the sample in a BOE solution for 2 min followed by rinsing in deionized water removed the residual SiO₂layer. Next, angled electron beam evaporation (15° from the normal axis of a wafer) of Cr/Au (3/47 nm) with a collimated flux formed physical etch masks along the lower, but not upper regions, of all of the ripples, due to shadowing associated with the overhang relief. The evaporation angle controls the extent of this shadowing. Anisotropic wet chemical etching with a KOH solution (PSE-200, Transene Co., 110° C.) removed Si along the (110) direction, beginning in all regions of exposed Si along the sidewalls. The etching rate of KOH along the {110} planes is much faster, by up to several hundred times, than that along the {111} planes because the {110} planes have a lower density of atoms and higher density of dangling bonds than the {111} planes.¹⁴ As a result, this etch proceeded completely from one side of each trench to the adjacent side in a direction parallel to the surface of the wafer, thereby releasing multilayer stacks of individual ribbons with thicknesses determined by the angled evaporation and the ripple structure (i.e., period and amplitude). Removing the Cr/Au with a KI/I₂(aq) solution (2.67/0.67 wt %) and further cleaning with HCl/H₂O₂/H₂O=1:1:1 by volume and HF(aq) completed the fabrication. Sonication released the ribbons into solution (e.g., CH₃OH) to prepare them for casting onto other substrates.

To facilitate integration of these elements into devices, it is valuable to maintain their lithographically defined alignments and positions. For this purpose, we introduced breaks (width=10-20 μm) in the SiO₂lines such that the ends of each ribbon remain anchored to the Si wafer even after complete undercut etching with KOH. Soft printing techniques that use elastomeric elements of poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) can lift up organized arrays of such anchored Si ribbons,^(7,15)one layer at a time, from the source wafer for transfer to a target substrate. FIG. 17 schematically illustrates this process, as applied to a flexible plastic substrate. Applying slight pressure on the PDMS to enable contact with progressively lower Si ribbon layers and quickly peeling it away released ribbon arrays with the highest transfer efficiencies (>˜90% up to a third layer).¹⁵ Using small pressures allowed conformal contact but at the same time avoided breaking and/or distorting the ribbons. In this approach, the ribbons adhere to the PDMS through van der Waals interactions that are, as integrated along the lengths of the ribbons, sufficiently strong to fracture the ribbon anchors upon peelback. Contacting the Si ribbon-coated stamps to a substrate (thickness=0.2 mm, PET, -Delta

Technologies) with a thin, spin cast adhesive layer (thickness=135 nm, SU-8, Microchem) and heating at 70° C. for 1 min produced strong bonding between the ribbons and the substrate. Peeling away the PDMS removed the ribbons from the PDMS. Flood exposing the adhesive (photopolymer) layer to ultraviolet light (λ=365 nm, 13 mW/cm², 10 s) and further heating (120° C., 5 min) enhanced the adhesion between the ribbons and the substrate. Multiple cycles of transfer printing with a single wafer source of ribbons can produce large area coverage (compared to the wafer) on plastic, as illustrated in FIG. 17, or other substrates.

FIG. 26A-26H shows scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of a Si(111) wafer (Montco, Inc., n-type, 1-10 Ωcm) at various stages of the process illustrated in FIG. 25. The thicknesses, in the intermediate processing state corresponding to FIG. 26G and 26H, were 100±10 nm. Fully released ribbons had thicknesses of 80±15 nm, due to extended exposure to the KOH etchant. The thickness uniformity is excellent in a given multilayer stack, as well as across the wafer, except for the top most ribbon which is somewhat thinner (by ˜10 nm in this case) than the others due to a slight undercut in the ICPRIE below the SiO₂ mask. The lengths and widths of the ribbons are uniform within a variation of ±120 nm using conventional contact mode photolithography. For this range of thicknesses, widths of 3-5 μm, and lengths up to several centimeters, the ribbons did not collapse into contact with one another during the KOH etching, until they were completely undercut. By change of the amplitudes and periods of the sidewall ripples, thicknesses between 80 and 300 nm could be achieved, uniformly across the wafer. The variations in thicknesses of individual ribbons define the smallest thicknesses that can be achieved reliability. These variations have four main sources. The first two are the roughness on the edges of the SiO₂ masks and on the rippled sidewalls, both of which directly translate into thickness variations. Third, grain structure in the angle evaporated metal masks can cause similar effects. Fourth, slight misalignments of the ICPRIE etched trenches from the Si {110} planes and inhomogeneities (i.e., local temperature and concentration) in the KOH etching bath can also lead to variations.¹⁶These factors place practical bounds on the smallest reliably achievable ribbon thickness at ˜80 nm, with the procedures described here. Widths as small as ˜1 μm are possible using a standard contact mode photolithography tool. Combined improvements in the lithography (e.g., use of electron beam or imprint lithography), etching (e.g., temperature controlled ICPRIE), and deposition (e.g., smaller grain sizes in the metal resist lines) could substantially (i.e., by two times or more) reduce these minimum dimensions. The other limit associated with this process is on the ratio of width to thickness; ratios larger than ˜60 are difficult to achieve, due to aspects associated with the KOH etching, such as its finite degree of anisotropy as well as mechanical collapse of the ribbons and/or delamination of the metal mask lines before complete undercut.

FIG. 27 shows collections of these ribbons deposited from solution onto a glass slide, after releasing them from the wafer by sonication. The uniformity in the widths and lengths of these ribbons is high (variation=±120 nm). The ˜6×10³ ribbons (thickness=250 nm, width=3 μm, and length=˜1.5 cm), shown here were collected from an area of 1.5×1.5 cm²; this sample represents 90 m of ribbons with a mass of 0.16 mg. Experimental data suggest that scaling the process up to as many as 10 layers, with wafers having diameters of up to 150 mm is readily possible. In this case, a single processing sequence (FIG. 25) would generate 32 mg of ribbons. It is important to note, in this case, that large substrates require some care in order to achieve uniform deposition angles for the metal masking layers. For a typical evaporator system, such as the one used for the studies reported here, variations in deposition angles are 0.72°, 1.36°, and 13.8° for substrate diameters of 8, 15, and 150 mm, respectively. Increasing the distance between the source and substrate, or other easily implementable strategies, can reduce these variations substantially.

The high level of disorder present in the ribbons shown in FIG. 27A-27F highlights the need to achieve well-defined configurations suitable for device integration.

The anchoring approach illustrated in FIG. 17 represents one possibility, in which the lithographically defined alignment and orientation of the ribbons are maintained throughout the fabrication and integration process. FIG. 28 shows images of a Si chip (total pattern size: 8×8 mm²) with aligned four-layered stacks of ribbons (width=4 μm, length=190 μm, thickness=˜250 nm) anchored to the wafer at their ends. The optical micrograph of FIG. 28A shows 1.5×10⁵ ribbons. The scanning electron micrographs highlight the anchors and the etch planes (FIG. 28B-28E). The KOH etch front advances in the

110

direction, but the front terminates at {111} planes (i.e., slowest etching plane), as seen in FIG. 28E where the structure tapers into triangular-shaped anchors that meet at a point where two {111} planes intersect. Soft printing processes can transfer these ribbons, one layer at a time, onto other substrates, using the procedures of FIG. 17. FIG. 29A shows an example of Si ribbon arrays (thickness=235 nm, width=4.8 μm, length=190 μm) transferred from the top layer onto a PDMS substrate. The thickness variations arising from previously mentioned factors appear as color variations in the optical image of FIG. 29A, tapered thickness profiles in FIG. 29B, and discontinuities when the ribbons are very thin (e.g., lower than 40 nm). The atomic force microscopy (AFM) image reveals well-separated steps (or terraces, with heights of up to 10 nm) on the surfaces of the ribbons. The surface roughness of areas (1×1 μm²) that do not include these steps is ˜0.6 nm, compared to ˜3 nm in similar sized areas that include these steps. Similar structures have been observed on the surfaces of Si(111) wafers etched by KOH.¹⁵ Such structures cause some color variations in the optical images. The roughness value of 0.6 nm is somewhat larger than that of the top polished surface of the wafer (0.12 nm), of structures generated from a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) substrates (0.18 nm), or of ribbons generated from the top surface of a Si wafer (0.5 nm). The roughness originates from the same effects that determine the variations in thickness, as discussed previously. Thickness variations along typical ribbons were ˜±15 nm. Variations in the average thicknesses of ribbons in a given array were ˜±3 nm. FIG. 29C displays four areas of ribbon arrays formed on an ITO-coated PET substrate by four cycles of printing, using a single processed Si wafer. The yields on the printed ribbons were 98% for the first layer, 94% for the second layer, 88% for the third layer, and 74% for the fourth layer. The lower yield for the fourth layer was mainly due to imperfect transfer from the wafer to the PDMS. Incomplete transfer from an upper layer leaves partially detached ribbons on the wafer that can interfere with subsequent printing cycles.

To demonstrate one possible use of printed ribbon arrays in electronics, we fabricated field effect transistors (FIG. 30A and 30B). The substrate was polyimide (Pl, thickness=25 μm), the gate electrode was Cr/Au (thickness=3/40 nm), and the gate dielectric consisted of a layer of SiO₂ (thickness=170 nm) and the SU-8 adhesive coating from the procedures of FIG. 17. The transferred Si ribbon arrays sank approximately 35 nm into the SU-8, leaving a residual 100 nm of SU-8 between the bottom surface of the Si ribbons and the SiO₂gate dielectric, as measured by AFM. Thick electrode pads (Ti, 250 nm) defined by photolithography (100 μm length×100 μm width, spanning 10 Si ribbons) and wet etching with Ti etchant (TFTN, Transene Co.) formed Schottky barrier contacts for the source and drain. These bottom-gate devices showed n-type enhancement mode gate modulation (FIG. 30C and 30D), consistent with similar devices formed on SOI wafers using similar processing conditions. The transistors exhibited on/off ratios of ˜3×10⁴. The linear regime, per ribbon mobilities (fill factor 35%) correspond to 190 cm²V⁻¹s⁻¹for the first layer and 130 cm²V⁻¹ s⁻¹ for the second layer. These values are somewhat lower than those that we have obtained using SOI wafers and otherwise similar device processing steps.^(7,11)We speculate that the larger roughness in the ribbons used here is partly a cause of this difference. Also, it is well-known that the interface charge density on the (111) plane is almost 10 times larger than that on the (100) plane for the Si—SiO₂ interface; annealing in hydrogen can reduce the value significantly.¹⁷

In summary, this Example demonstrates a simple fabrication strategy for producing bulk quantities of single-crystal silicon micro-/nanoribbons from bulk silicon (111) wafers. Each layer in the multilayer stacks produced by this approach can be separately transfer printed onto other substrates, for integration into devices such as transistors. The simplicity of the procedures, the ability to form organized arrays for devices, the high quality of the materials, and the potential for other device possibilities such as sensors, photodetectors and perhaps photovoltaics, in addition to electronic circuits, suggest potential value for this type of approach to silicon ribbons.

Photomicrographs of various sidewalls according to different STS-ICPRIE conditions and silicon nanoribbons with different thicknesses, the extent of shadowing mask vs angles for electron beam evaporation, and seven-layered Si ribbons and spectra from a EDAX energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) study are provided in FIGS. 31-34.

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U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 11/115,954, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,195,733; 11/145,574, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,622,367; 11/145,542, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,557,367; 60/863,248, 11/465,317, 11/423,287, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,521,292; 11/423,192, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,943,491; and 11/421,654, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,799,699 are hereby incorporated by reference to the extent not inconsistent with the present description.

All references throughout this application, for example patent documents including issued or granted patents or equivalents; patent application publications; unpublished patent applications; and non-patent literature documents or other source material; are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, as though individually incorporated by reference, to the extent each reference is at least partially not inconsistent with the disclosure in this application (for example, a reference that is partially inconsistent is incorporated by reference except for the partially inconsistent portion of the reference).

Where the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprised”, or “comprising” are used herein, they are to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, or components referred to, but not to preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature, integer, step, component, or group thereof. Separate embodiments of the invention are also intended to be encompassed wherein the terms “comprising” or “comprise(s)” or “comprised” are optionally replaced with the terms, analogous in grammar, e.g.; “consisting/consist(s)” or “consisting essentially of/consist(s) essentially of” to thereby describe further embodiments that are not necessarily coextensive.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that compositions, methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and techniques other than those specifically described herein can be applied to the practice of the invention as broadly disclosed herein without resort to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents of compositions, methods, devices, device elements, materials, procedures and techniques described herein are intended to be encompassed by this invention. Whenever a range is disclosed, all subranges and individual values are intended to be encompassed as if separately set forth. This invention is not to be limited by the embodiments disclosed, including any shown in the drawings or exemplified in the specification, which are given by way of example or illustration and not of limitation. The scope of the invention shall be limited only by the claims.

TABLE 1 Examples of selective etch materials systems Functional material Sacrificial layer Undercut agent Application GaAs, InP, Al_(x)Ga_(1−x)As (x < Al_(x)Ga_(1−x)As with x Hydrofluoric acid, LEDs, photovoltaics, about 50%), InGaAlAsP greater than or equal to Hydrofluoric acid electronics (transistors, with composition of AlAs< about 0.7, vapor, buffered oxide diodes, etc.), photodiodes, about 50%, C, Si, Ge, SiC, AlSb, GaSb, SiO₂ etch waveguides etc. SiGe, Au, Ag, Cu, Pd, Pt, assorted multiple layers of above materials (crystalline or amorphous; unsure about amorphous compound semiconductors) Same as above Organic polymer Burn in air/oxygen at Same as above 300-500° C. GaAs GaAs_(1−x)N_(y) (y < x < 1), Aqueous NaOH (1N) Same as above nitrogen implanted InGaAlN Si Warm strong aqueous Same as above base (TMAH, KOH, etc.) In_(1−y)Ga_(y)As_(x)P_(1−x) (x, y < about InGaAs HF:H₂O₂: H₂O Same as above 0.05) Al_(x)Ga_(1−x)As (x > about 0.9) GaAs Citric Acid: H₂O₂: Same as above H₂O

TABLE 2 Functional layer composition useful in producing LEDs (see FIG. 3E) 1 GaAs:C 5 nm 1019 P-contact 2 Al0.45Ga0.55As:C 800 nm  1018 P-spreader 3 Al0.5In0.5P:Mg 200 nm  1018 Cladding 4 Al0.25Ga0.25In0.5P 6 nm Undoped Barrier 5 Ga0.44In0.56P 6 nm Undoped Q-well 6 Al0.25Ga0.25In0.5P 6 nm Undoped Barrier 7 Ga0.44In0.56P 6 nm Undoped Q-well 8 Al0.25Ga0.25In0.5P 6 nm Undoped Barrier 9 Ga0.44In0.56P 6 nm Undoped Q-well 10 Al0.25Ga0.25In0.5P 6 nm Undoped Barrier 11 Ga0.44In0.56P 6 nm Undoped Q-well 12 Al0.25Ga0.25In0.5P 6 nm undoped Barrier 13 Al0.5In0.5P 200 nm  1018 Cladding 14 Al0.45Ga0.55As:Te 800 nm  1018 N-spreader 15 GaAs:Te 500 nm  1019 N-contact 

1. A method of making transferable semiconductor structures, said method comprising the steps of: providing a multilayer structure comprising a plurality of functional layers and a plurality of release layers; wherein said release layers are positioned between functional layers in said multilayer structure, and said functional layers include a plurality of semiconductor structures; and releasing at least a portion of said semiconductor structures from said multilayer structure by separating one or more of said release layers from one or more of said functional layers, thereby generating said transferable semiconductor structures.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of semiconductor structures comprises a semiconductor device.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein said semiconductor device is selected from the group consisting of: a P-N junction, a thin film transistor, a single junction solar cell, a multi-junction solar cell, a photodiode, a light emitting diode, a laser, a CMOS device, a MOSFET device, a MESFET device, and a HEMT device.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor structures comprise a plurality of semiconductor thin films.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein each of said semiconductor thin films is a single crystalline semiconductor layer.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein each of said semiconductor thin films is selected from the group consisting of: an organic semiconductor layer, an inorganic semiconductor layer, a III-V semiconductor layer; and a group IV elemental or compound semiconductor.
 7. The method of claim 4, wherein said plurality of semiconductor thin films comprise at least two semiconductor thin films having different semiconductor materials or dopants.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor structures comprise a doped semiconductor layer.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said doped semiconductor layer forms part of a P-N junction.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor structures comprise a solar cell.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein said semiconductor structures comprise material selected from the group consisting of: Si, Ge, SiC, AIP, AlAs, AlSb, GaN, GaP, GaAs, GaSb, InP, InAs, GaSb, InP, InAs, InSb, ZnO, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdSe, ZnSe, ZnTe, CdS, CdSe, CdTe, HgS, PbS, PbSe, PbTe, AlGaAs, AlInAs, AlInP, GaAsP, GalnAs, GaInP, AlGaAsSb, AlGaInP, and GaInAsP.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein said functional layer further comprises a dielectric layer, an electrode or conducting layer.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein each plurality of semiconductor structures has a thickness selected from a range that is greater than 5 nm and less than 50,000 nm.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein said multilayer structure has a functional layer number that is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to 200, and a release layer number that is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to
 200. 15. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of generating said multilayer structure on a substrate, wherein at least one release layer is provided between said functional layers and said substrate.
 16. The method of claim 15 further comprising the step of repeating said steps of generating said multilayer structure on a substrate and releasing at least a portion of said semiconductor structures from said multilayer structure; wherein said substrate is reused during said step of repeating said steps of generating said multilayer structure on a substrate and releasing at least a portion of said semiconductor structures from said multilayer structure.
 17. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of semiconductor structures comprise: III-V semiconductor epilayers, wherein at least two semiconductor epilayers have different semiconductor materials.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein said III-V semiconductor epilayers comprises: a p-doped GaAs top layer; a low-doped GaAs middle layer; and an n-doped GaAs lower layer supported by said release layer.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein said release layer comprises Al_(0.9)Ga_(0.1)As.
 20. The method of claim 1 for making photovoltaics, wherein said semiconductor structures comprise: a first layer of n-doped GaAs supported by said release layer; a second layer supported by said first layer, said second layer comprising a back-surface field or Bragg-reflector layer; a third layer comprising a n-doped GaAs base layer supported by said second layer; a fourth layer comprising a p-doped GaAs emitter; a fifth layer comprising a p-doped In_(0.49)Ga_(0.51)P passivation layer supported by said fourth layer; and a sixth layer comprising a p-doped GaAs layer supported by said fifth layer.
 21. The method of claim 20, further comprising a buffer layer positioned between said first and second layer, wherein said buffer layer comprises n-doped GaAs.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein said release layer comprises a layer of Al_(0.96)Ga_(0.04)As of sufficient thickness to avoid sagging of said multilayer.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein said release layer thickness is greater than or equal to 300 nm and less than or equal to 2500 nm.
 24. The method of claim 20, wherein said plurality of functional layers are selected from a range that is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to
 200. 25. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing said multilayer structure on a GaAs substrate.
 26. The method of claim 25, wherein each functional layer comprises an n-doped GaAs layer and a semi-insulating layer of AlGaAs.
 27. The method of claim 26, wherein said release layer is Al_(0.96)Ga_(0.04)As.
 28. The method of claim 26, wherein the number of said functional layers is greater than or equal to 2 and less than or equal to
 200. 29. The method of claim 1, wherein each functional layer comprises 15 stacked layers arranged from a top-most layer 1 to a bottom-most layer 15 supported by said release layer, and said stacked layers comprise: 1 GaAs:C 2 Al_(0.45)Ga_(0.55)As:C 3 Al_(0.5)In_(0.5)P:Mg 4 Al_(0.25)Ga_(0.25)In_(0.5)P 5 Ga_(0.44)In_(0.56)P 6 Al_(0.25)Ga_(0.25)In_(0.5)P 7 Ga_(0.44)In_(0.56)P 8 Al_(0.25)Ga_(0.25)In_(0.5)P 9 Ga_(0.44)In_(0.56)P 10 Al_(0.25)Ga_(0.25)In_(0.5)P 11 Ga_(0.44)In_(0.56)P 12 Al_(0.25)Ga_(0.25)In_(0.5)P 13 Al_(0.5)In_(0.5)P 14 Al_(0.45)Ga_(0.55)As:Te 15 GaAs:Te.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein said release layer comprises Al_(0.96)Ga_(0.04)As and said multilayer structure is supported by a GaAs substrate.
 31. A multi-layer stack system for providing transferable structures, said multi-layer stack system comprising: a substrate; a release layer that covers at least a portion of said substrate; a plurality of functional layers supported by said release layer and said substrate, wherein adjacent functional layers are separated by a release layer positioned between adjacent functional layers; wherein said functional layers comprise a plurality of semiconductor structures.
 32. The multi-layer stack system of claim 31, wherein said semiconductor structures comprise a semiconductor thin film.
 33. The multi-layer stack of claim 32, wherein said semiconductor thin film is a doped semiconductor layer.
 34. The multi-layer stack of claim 31, wherein said plurality of semiconductor structures comprise a semiconductor device.
 35. The multi-layer stack of claim 34, wherein said semiconductor device is selected from the group consisting of a P-N junction, a thin film transistor, a single junction solar cell, a multi-junction solar cell, a photodiode, a light emitting diode, a laser, a CMOS device, a MOSFET device, a MESFET device, and a HEMT device.
 36. The multi-layer stack system of claim 31, wherein said semiconductor structures comprise a plurality of semiconductor thin films.
 37. The multi-layer stack system of claim 36, wherein said plurality of semiconductor thin films comprise: a top layer of p-doped GaAs; a middle layer of low-doped GaAs; and and a bottom layer of n-doped GaAs.
 38. The multi-layer stack system of claim 36, wherein said plurality of semiconductor thin films comprise a layer of n-doped GaAs supported by a semi-insulative layer of AlGaAs.
 39. The multi-layer stack system of claim 36, wherein said plurality of semiconductor thin films comprise: p-doped GaAs, In_(0.49)Ga_(0.51)P and a back-surface field or Bragg-reflector layer.
 40. The multi-layer stack system of claim 31, wherein said substrate comprises GaAs and said release layer comprises aluminum gallium arsenide.
 41. The multi-layer stack system of claim 40, wherein said release layer comprises Al_(0.96)Ga_(0.04)As.
 42. The multi-layer stack system of claim 36, wherein said plurality of semiconductor thin films are independently selected from the group consisting of: GaAs; InP; Al_(x)Ga_(1-x)As, with x<0.5; InGaAlAsP with AlAs≦50%; C; Si; Ge; SiC; SiGe; Au; Ag; Cu; Pd; Pt; InGaAlN; In_(1-y)Ga_(y)As_(x)P_(1-x), x, y≦0.05; and Al_(x)Ga_(1-x)As, x≧0.9.
 43. The multi-layer stack system of claim 31, wherein said release layer is selected from the group consisting of: AlGa_(1-x)As, where x≧0.7; AlSb, GaSb, SiO₂; an organic polymer; GaAs_(1-x)N_(y), where y<x<1; Si; InGaAs; and GaAs. 